Vietnam U23 loses top spot to Thailand U23

Thanh Bình's spectacular volley only helped U23 Vietnam reduce the score to 1-3 in the decisive match for the top spot in Group B of the men's football tournament at the 28th SEA Games.

Vietnam U23 primarily played defensively against Thailand U23. Photo: Duc Dong.

Thailand U23 took a three-goal lead thanks to goals from Pakorn in the first half, and Thitiphan and Tristan Do in the second half. It wasn't until the 90th minute that Thanh Bình scored a goal to reduce the deficit to 1-3 for Vietnam U23 with a classy finish from a tight angle.

The defeat against U23 Thailand caused U23 Vietnam to drop to second place and lose the top spot they had held for most of the group stage. In the semi-finals, U23 Vietnam will face the winner of Group A, U23 Myanmar, on June 13th.

In their previous four matches, the Vietnam U23 team scored 16 goals and conceded only one. However, the Thailand U23 team scored three goals against Coach Miura's side, inflicting their first defeat at the SEA Games 28. This demonstrates that the Thailand U23 team is on a different level compared to the opponents the Vietnam U23 team has faced.

This was also the third defeat for the Japanese strategist against Thai teams. But unlike the loss in the World Cup qualifiers, this defeat was not too devastating. Besides losing the top spot, Coach Miura helped the Vietnam U23 team secure a place in the semi-finals with a squad that was in good physical condition. This will be the basis for the Vietnam U23 team to maximize their strength against their next opponent, Myanmar U23, who are undefeated in Group A with three wins and one draw.

Both the Vietnam U23 and Thailand U23 teams entered their final group stage match with less than optimal lineups. Vietnam U23 was missing key players such as Cong Phuong, Hong Quan, Huy Toan, and Ngoc Thang. Meanwhile, coach Promrut Choketawee also benched captain Sarach Yooyen and "Messi" Chanathip Songkrasin.

The lack of game-changing attacking players significantly weakened the Vietnam U23 team. Phi Son, Van Toan, and Thanh Binh worked diligently but were effectively neutralized by the opposing defense. This trio lacked the speed on the flanks of Ngoc Thang or the powerful runs of Huy Toan. Their ineffective attack indirectly gave the Thailand U23 team confidence in their ball distribution.

Pakorn was involved in all three of Thailand U23's goals. Photo: Duc Dong.

Thailand U23 had two dangerous one-on-one opportunities for Chananan before Pakorn opened the scoring with a skillful and powerful dribble that bypassed the red-shirted defense. Pakorn's goal demonstrated the danger posed by Thailand U23 midfielders, who are ready to break through and score like a striker.

The Vietnamese U23 players had only one truly dangerous opportunity in the first half: Thanh Bình's close-range header before halftime. However, Thanh Bình's header wasn't powerful enough and the Thai U23 goalkeeper easily caught it.

The second half saw continued dominance from the U23 Thailand team, but their second goal came from a mistake by center-back Tien Dung. The HAGL player miscontrolled the ball and was forced to foul Pakorn inside the penalty area. From the penalty spot, Thitiphan easily beat Van Tien to double the lead.

Pakorn was a nightmare for the Vietnamese defense in this match. The number 14 midfielder continued to contribute to the third goal for U23 Thailand. Pakorn broke through on the right wing and passed to Tristan Do, who turned and fired the ball into the net of U23 Vietnam. This goal by Tristan Do effectively sealed the match for U23 Thailand.

Thanh Bình scored a late equalizer for Vietnam U23. Photo: Duc Dong.

Cong Phuong was brought on late in the match, but the player who made the biggest impact was Thanh Binh, who had started the game. The Thanh Hoa striker controlled the ball from a tight angle and immediately unleashed a superb volley, leaving the opposing goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Starting lineup

Vietnam U23 team:Van Tien, Manh Hung, Duy Manh, Ngoc Thinh, Huy Hung, Thanh Binh, Van Toan, Phi Son, Thanh Hien, Duc Huy, Tien Dung.

Goal:Thanh Binh (90')

Thailand U23:Chanin, Peerapat, Chaowat, Adison, Thitiphan, Artit, Pinyo, Pakorn, Tristan Do, Chananan, Siwakorn.

Goal:Pakorn (22'), Thitiphan (62'), Tristan Do (77')

According to VNE